Stomatitis management

Bleomycin (Blenoxane) causes chain scission and fragmentation of DNA. With the exception of the skin and lungs, most tissues can enzymatically inactivate bleomycin. Bleomycin is used in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head, neck, and esophagus in combination with other drugs in patients with testicular carcinoma, and in the treatment of Hodgkin s disease and other lymphomas. Bleomycin causes stomatitis, ulceration, hyperpigmentation, erythema, and pulmonary fibrosis. 

Oral mucositis/stomatitis can be relieved by the administration of mouth care products such as antiseptic and local analgesic preparations. Severe manifestations may have to be managed by delay and/or dose modification of the patient s next cycle of chemotherapy. 

A comprehensive review of psychoactive drug-induced hyposalivation and hypersalivation included a discussion of lithium-induced dry mouth (common) and sialorrhea (347). A review of dental findings and their management in patients with bipolar disorder briefly mentioned that xerostomia, sialadenitis, dysgeusia, and stomatitis have been attributed to lithium (348). Dry mouth is common and can be due to lithium-induced polyuria, a direct effect on thirst, salivary gland hypofunction, or other drugs (347). Hypersalivation attributable to lithium is rare (349). 

Amanlou, M., Babaee, N., Saheb-Jamee, M. et al. 2007. Ef cacy of Satureja khuzistanica extract and essential oil preparations in the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Dam 15 231-234. 

Mansoori, R, Hadjiakhondi, A., Ghavami, R., Sha ee, A. 2002. Clinical evaluation of Zataria multiflora essential oil mouthwash in the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Daru 10 74-77. 

---